# tenuous

/ˈtɛnjəwəs/ (US) · /tˈɛnjuːəs/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/tenuous
Updated: 2026-05-11

## Definition

very weak or uncertain. You use this to describe a connection, a reason, or a situation that could easily break or fail.

For teachers: extremely weak, slender, or slight; lacking a sound basis or substantial connection. Often describes abstract links, arguments, or positions of power.

## Examples

- The connection between the two events is tenuous.
- The new government held a tenuous grip on power after the narrow election victory.
- The prosecutor's case rested on a tenuous link between the suspect's movements and the digital evidence, which the defence quickly challenged during the trial.

## Usage notes

- Commonly used to modify abstract nouns like 'link', 'connection', 'grip', or 'argument'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.